Although Belgium is known for its cities and its cuisine, the country hides a surprisingly varied natural side. The Belgian coast stretches for just 67 kilometres along the North Sea, yet that narrow strip holds broad beaches, fashionable seaside resorts, Belle Époque villas and protected dunes. And inland await forests, heathlands and the rolling Ardennes. This guide leads you to the finest spots, with tips on the season and the practical side.
The Coastal Tram: the longest tram line in the world
The icon of the Belgian coast is the Coastal Tram, the Kusttram. This tram line runs the full length of the coast, from De Panne near the French border to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, a distance of about 67 kilometres. It is the longest tram line in the world operated as a single continuous service. The tram serves almost every resort and is the ideal way to explore the coast without a car. With a single ticket you can travel along the sea all day long.
Ostend, Knokke-Heist and De Haan
Each resort has its own character:
- Ostend is the largest coastal town and the birthplace of the painter James Ensor. Besides its vast beach and busy harbour, it offers museums, a lively fish market and a strong artistic tradition.
- Knokke-Heist is regarded as the most elegant and fashionable resort. Chic boutiques, numerous art galleries and well-kept promenades draw a well-heeled crowd.
- De Haan preserves a unique Belle Époque setting, with white villas and garden districts. Albert Einstein stayed here briefly in 1933 after fleeing Germany.
Wide beaches and harbours
To the west lies De Panne, famous for its exceptionally wide beaches at low tide, beloved by sand yachters. Nearby stretches the Westhoek nature reserve, with an impressive dune landscape sometimes nicknamed the Belgian Sahara. Further east, Blankenberge offers a historic pier that reaches far out to sea, while Zeebrugge is one of the largest ports in the country and at the same time a lively fishing harbour.
The horseback fishers and the Zwin
Two treasures of nature and culture should not be missed. In Oostduinkerke, the centuries-old tradition of shrimp fishing on horseback lives on. Fishers ride sturdy draught horses into the surf, dragging nets behind them to catch grey shrimp. This unique practice was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2013.
On the eastern border, near Knokke-Heist, lies the Zwin, one of Belgium's most important nature reserves. This tidal area of mudflats and salt marshes is called the airport of birds, because it forms a crucial stopover on the migration routes between Northern Europe and Africa. Birdwatchers spot herons, spoonbills and countless species of wading birds.
Nature in the interior
Beyond the coast, Belgium is rich in nature. South of Brussels stretches the Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud), a vast beech woodland whose ancient sections have been inscribed since 2017 on the UNESCO World Heritage list as primeval beech forests of Europe. In the province of Limburg, the Hoge Kempen National Park, the country's first national park, protects sweeping heaths, pine woods and old mining spoil heaps. And in the south roll the wooded Ardennes, cut by rivers and deep valleys, ideal for hiking and kayaking.
When to go and practical tips
High season on the coast runs from June to September, when the water is warmest and the beaches are full of life. Those who prefer quiet should come in May or September, with mild weather and fewer crowds. The North Sea stays cool even in summer, so be prepared for changeable weather. A windbreaker and sturdy shoes are never out of place. Thanks to the Coastal Tram and the dense railway network, the whole coast is easily reached without a car.